The United States has formally declared that its military personnel will vacate Iraq, ending a presence that began with the 2003 invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein. The decision marks the conclusion of a two‑decade‑long deployment that has been a central element of American involvement in the country.
Baghdad has welcomed the announcement as a milestone in the restoration of national sovereignty. Iraqi officials have framed the scheduled departure for October 1 as the moment the state will be free of any foreign military footprint, a sentiment echoed in statements reported by Middle East Eye.
Nevertheless, the withdrawal does not equate to a total absence of foreign troops on Iraqi soil. Turkey continues to maintain a military contingent within the country, a fact noted in the same Middle East Eye coverage, indicating that Iraq will still host external forces after the U.S. exit.
The departure of American forces also raises questions about the future of Iran‑backed armed groups that have operated in Iraq for several years. These militias, which have received support from Tehran and have been involved in combat against coalition forces, now face an altered security environment. Middle East Eye points out that the removal of the U.S. military could affect the operational dynamics of these groups, though concrete outcomes remain uncertain.
Analysts referenced in the live‑blog update suggest that the trajectory of the Iran‑aligned militias will depend on a combination of Iraqi political decisions, security arrangements, and the broader regional balance of power. The lack of a U.S. presence may alter the calculus for both the militias and the Iraqi government as they navigate post‑withdrawal stability.
Middle East Eye continues to monitor reactions from Baghdad, Tehran, and other regional actors, tracking how the shift influences diplomatic engagements, security cooperation, and internal Iraqi politics. The live‑blog format provides ongoing updates as the October deadline approaches.
While the U.S. pullout is framed by Iraqi officials as a step toward full sovereignty, the persistence of Turkish troops and the unresolved status of Iran‑backed militias indicate that Iraq’s security landscape will remain complex. The full impact of the American exit on regional power dynamics and internal stability will become clearer in the weeks and months that follow.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Middle East Eye — original source: https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/us-pulls-its-forces-out-iraq-what-happens-iran-backed-armed-groups.